Transitioning From Pediatric to Adult Care

How to Use This Guide

The goal of this guide is to help you and your parents prepare for your transition to an adult healthcare setting and responsibility for your own healthcare. If you make these preparations a few years, rather than a few months, before the time of transition, you won’t be overwhelmed when it’s finally time to move to an adult healthcare setting and manage all aspects of your pulmonary hypertension (PH), whether you are 18, 21, 25 years or older.

This guide offers suggestions as to what responsibilities you should take on for your own healthcare depending on your age. We’ve also provided forms that will help you gather all the information you will need to comfortably discuss your PH care with your healthcare team when you switch to an adult healthcare setting.

Because you may have been diagnosed with PH ten years ago, last year, last week, or anywhere in between, you will need to adapt this guide for your own situation. Talk with your parents and your healthcare team to determine how you might adapt these goals so they are right for you.

Explore the Guide

Teens at the CrawPHish Festival (Houston, Tex.)

Why Transition?

Learn what the difference is between pediatric and adult PH care, why some teens transition to adult care and why some don't. Read on

Preparing to Transition

What is PH, how PH is diagnosed, and what happens if you are diagnosed with PH? Learn about PH

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The information provided on the PHA website is provided for general information only. It is not intended as legal, medical or other professional advice, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultations with qualified professionals who are familiar with your individual needs. PHA does not endorse or recommend any commercial products or services.